Government crackdown on pre-installed apps
According to a Reuters report, a new move by the Indian government could delay the smartphone launch timeline and send major OEMs into compliance. Reports suggest that India’s IT ministry is setting up an order to allow smartphone makers to remove all pre-installed apps on their devices. It is also expected to start screening mobile software before the devices are brought to market.
The rules come in the wake of the government’s crackdown on allegations of data misuse and spying using smartphones and other mobile devices, reports Reuters. Focusing on border countries like China, from where companies hold a substantial share of the Indian mobile market, an official told Reuters, “Pre-installed apps can be a weak security point and we want to ensure That no foreign nation, including China, is taking advantage of this. It is a matter of national security.”
Impact on Chinese OEMs
The move could hit the likes of Xiaomi and Realme, both of which control a combined 26 percent market share in India. While Samsung may also be affected, the Chinese phone maker is particularly known for extensive partnerships with app makers to cover lost revenue from shrinking smartphone margins. Additionally, as suggested by government officials, with a special focus on China, these companies may be made to comply with stricter regulations.
Currently, almost every major OEM bundles some pre-installed apps that cannot be removed from the smartphone. Be it Apple’s Safari browser, Samsung’s Samsung Pay Mini, or Xiaomi’s GetApps app store, the new order could mean that Indian smartphone owners will now have the ability to remove these from their devices.
The move comes as part of the Indian government’s expanded crackdown on pre-installed apps. To recall, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined Google Rs 1,337 crore for pre-installing Google Search, Chrome and YouTube on Android, among other charges.
